NFSTC Wins Coveted August Vollmer Forensic Science Award

The National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) is proud to announce they have once again been recognized with the prestigious August Vollmer Excellence in Forensic Science award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The award, for current or past forensic science collaboration, recognizes the collaborative effort that produced the web-based version of After the Fact, an online virtual crime scene assessment test.

The assessments measure an investigator’s proficiency in seven crucial facets of investigation, from initial assessment through evidence collection.

“The global forensic industry is being scrutinized regarding how evidence is handled at a crime scene; it’s imperative international agencies have a convenient, affordable way to ensure investigators’ skills are up to speed,” said Kevin Lothridge, NFSTC CEO.

The development team consisted of NFSTC, the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency National Institute of Forensic Science (ANZPAA NIFS), the College of Policing of the Forensic Centre in the United Kingdom, and Cornerstone Computing of La Trobe University, also located in Australia. The team worked across continents to enhance the program.

After the Fact has been available since 1996 as a CD-based program. Transforming it to a web-based delivery provided numerous benefits, including:
• decreasing time required to develop new scenarios
• eliminating the need for physically shipping the test to practitioners
• facilitating secure online submittal of test results
• creation of an administrator portal for test progress monitoring

Those interested in completing the online assessment can take an online demonstration of After the Fact at: www.webatf.com/demo

NFSTC also provides online training for law enforcement or the general public. The Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation and Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation courses are affordable, self-paced classes ideal for the practitioner or the forensic science enthusiast. No application is required. For information on these trainings, visit: http://www.nfstc.org/service/forensics-training/

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The National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Largo, Florida. NFSTC provides quality forensic services including training, assessment, technology assistance and evaluation to the justice, forensic science and defense communities. NFSTC developed the original crime scene investigation training program for the National Institute of Justice. www.nfstc.org

Editor’s notes:
• Images from the online training course are available.
• Interviews with Kevin Lothridge, CEO can be scheduled.
• B-roll for crime scene training is available online: http://projects.nfstc.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=3720